Kimmorley tore Melbourne to shreds in his side's 36-26 National Rugby League win at Olympic Park, earning a points decision along the way over State of Origin halfback rival Matt Orford.

It followed Kimmorley's five-star performance for Country against City in last night's rep clash at Gosford, though Orford also impressed for City.

There was no doubt who shone more - Kimmorley setting up four of the Sharks' seven tries to add further weight to his selection claims for the Blues' halfback spot for the opening Origin match.

Kimmorley and Sharks fullback David Peachey sparked a five-try burst in the opening half hour to give their side a 24-6 lead which was the platform for victory.

"The theory is if I play well for the next couple of weeks and our team plays well which we certainly did tonight, then I'm knocking on the door," Kimmorley said.

"All I can do is make it hard for them not to pick me. I can't say I've done enough or not enough. I'm just trying to do my best." Cronulla coach Stuart Raper was also happy to lend his support to Kimmorley's Origin halfback claims over Orford and Penrith's Craig Gower after his side improved its win-loss record to 4-5 tonight.

"Performances like tonight and last night can only stake his claim," he said.

"I know there's plenty of good players out there and Craig Gower's a good player too.

"But if they want Brett, he's definitely up for the challenge." For former Storm halfback Kimmorley, it was his first win over his old club in Melbourne.

Melbourne fullback Billy Slater, who inked a new three-year deal with the Storm prior to the match, scored the opening try as the home side looked sharp early.

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